Unless you're brand new to Céline, you're well aware that the brand tends to show far more unusual and conceptual bags on its runways than the majority of what actually ends up getting stocked in stores. Instead of Luggage Totes and Trapeze Bags, Céline's Spring 2016 runway show was full of voluminous, pillowy leather satchels and hard-edged little hand totes with snap-on front compartments.

There was one gorgeous lavender crocodile Classic Box Bag, as though to remind consumers that the brand also makes bags that many of them enjoy buying. Personally, I would love to get my hands on one of the puffy, soft satchels, but only in the most literal sense; they look like they're made of the softest lambskin in the world, and I'd like to touch them.

Deflated slightly, I could see those bags having a certain amount of consumer appeal, but for the real handbag fireworks, we'll have to wait until Céline's Spring 2016 lookbook appears online. (As soon as it does, we'll bring you all the photos.)

And like that, Rome was built. Not in one day but several weeks and months. Thus shall be the fate of the fateful Birkin who indulged a little too much into offering its patrons ‘authentic’ material. Their clientele might comprise the ‘who is who’ of Hollywood and the ‘whose wife is who’ of glitz town but they might have gone a tad bit too far. Or they ruffled some feathers too many at PETA becauseHermés has not had such a good year, this one. The brand is now seeking a new name for its Bir- oops, I meant its former-Birkin bags.

Ever since the activist organization released videos of slsughtered crocodiles and aligators used to make these bags, a lot has changed in Hermés’ life. These are turbulent times for the brand, but damage control is essential. After the French actress disclosed her concerns in being associated with the brand, a 34-year old relationship is ending with ‘talks’. Meanwhile they are a sinking ship staying afloat on a flimsy log of wood so Birkin or not, the show must go on. They have got a lot of mileage and coverage with this incident if nothing else, and that could have done some good. There are plenty of very VERY rich women who won’t be snapped the minute they allow a ray of sun to touch their toes, and who can proudly flaunt their ‘Birkin bags’ on holiday or leisure. When a bag sells at a cost close to small state’s GDP, you are bound to flaunt it somewhere. Even if it’s just to a country club in the Middle East.

Alessandro Michele's previous Gucci show may have been relatively light on handbags, but based on the brand's Spring 2016 runway in Milan earlier this week, that's not the new creative director's preference all the time. For the upcoming season, the Gucci Dionysus, among others, are getting a remixed look with lots of extra details.

The bags, including some brand new shapes, had an overall ladylike bent, with lots of structure and a newly introduced top-handle version of the Dionysus. That's where the traditionalism ends, though; most of the bags are done up in embroidery, webbing, Cuban link chains, beading, sequins, painted prints and exotic textures. Shrinking violets, they are now.

There were a few designs that tended toward a more classic look, but on the whole, the Spring 2016 Gucci girl is looking to turn most of the old rules on their heads. Check out the full collection below.

It's an interesting time to be in the ultra-luxury business because no one really knows where the top of the market is. In a climate when a pre-owned Birkin can break records by selling at auction for well into the six figures, there's a seemingly insatiable thirst for novelty and rarity among the world's super rich.

There are relatively few brands in a position to sate that thirst, but those who can have been publicly offering ever more exotics over the past few seasons. The most notable exotic push in recent memory, though, is the one Louis Vuitton is making right now, and many of the bags have recently become available for perusal, including price information, on the brand's website. That is a shift in course in and of itself; for years, the brand kept its most expensive bags off general consumer radar.

Doing more top-tier leather goods has been a stated goal of LV's for some time now, and the bags below seem to represent the logical extreme of that strategy. They range in prices from a little over $7,000 to $50,000, with several priced above $40,000. If you had that much to spend on a bag, would these make your list?

If, like me, you too had grown tired of the metal-studdeds and the Swarovski-encrusteds, this will come as a breath of fresh Champs-Elysees air to you. The latest addition to Louis Vuitton’s luxurious Parnasséa collection is Flore, the ultimate carryall in calfskin.

Flore combines a practical design with an array of refined details such as braided handles and Louis Vuitton’s heritage Articles de Voyage signature in subtle and pinpoint perforations. Crafted in beautiful Veau Soie calfskin with its fine and natural grain, it is the perfect neutral accompaniment, fashionable day out and in.

Its practicality extends to its generous interior space. An elegant, suede calfskin lined central compartment is complimented by zippered pocket space. Available for $4,000 in a lovely hazelnut, Noisette, the bag has a removable shoulder strap and bottom studs that protect its base.